Pet-Friendly Guide to Ruston

It’s a given — you love being with your pets, and they definitely love being with you. But what happens when you decide to leave your house?

No matter how far away you are from home or even if you’re a Ruston native, here is your travel guide to the best spots where you can have your furry friends by your side.

Pictured: @magnoliaexplores at the Downtown Ruston Mural

EAT

Heard Freighthouse Food Park: From BBQ by Bad Wolf BBQ, to delectable muffulettas by Staples Sandwich Co, this food truck park has all your cravings covered. They even have complimentary leash tethers and water bowls so you and your pet can both sit back and relax.

Utility Brewing: This brewery located in downtown Ruston is Ruston’s very first brewery! Utility is celebrated for its craft beer and delicious wood-fired pizzas all made from scratch. Outside, they have a beautifully lit and spacious patio which is pet-friendly.

Eskamoe’s Frozen Custard: Craving dessert? This familiar favorite offers frozen custard, concretes, shakes, malts, shaved ice, and several food items which all can be enjoyed outside on their pet-friendly patio. Even your pup can enjoy their own sweet treat too; Eskamoe’s makes their very own pet-safe ‘Scoopie Snack’ – a scoop of vanilla custard topped with a dog bone!

Pictured: @sillylilytricksr4kidz at Utility Brewing Co.

SEE

Ruston Murals: Needing that perfect portrait for your furry friend? All across Ruston are vibrant backdrops showcasing our rich appreciation for the arts. Ruston celebrate its art scene with several more colorful murals throughout the city; explore Ruston and see if you can find them all!

The Bulldog Project: Other cute photo opportunity and way to create adventure in is to see the Ruston Cultural District's Bulldog Project! There are 22 painted bulldog statues around Ruston designed by local artists. Do the scavenger hunt with your own dog, and snap a photo at each of bulldogs. Share with us using #TheBulldogProject and tagging our page. Search for the statues and explore all the different parts of Ruston that you haven't seen before!

Rock Island Greenway: Open from sunrise to sunset, this trail is the perfect place for walking your dog. The RIG spans 6 miles across the city, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, educational institutions, and recreational amenities. It also passes several public art installations, including murals and the Bulldog Project. New smells, different terrains, and all the sights make just as enjoyable for your pup as it is for you!

Pictured: @adinrc14 on the RIG!

EXPERIENCE

Lincoln Parish Park: Offering more than 10 miles of trails, Lincoln Parish Park is perfect for hiking, biking, and nature viewing. Its mountain bike trail is even rated as one of the best in the country! This park also features a stunning lake where guests can fish, kayak, and go swimming. Lincoln Parish Park allows leashed pets, and daily admission is $5 per person.

Ruston Farmers Market: This year-round farmers market boasts a diverse selection of local vendors. Whether you're looking for seasonal produce, locally-made products, or a quick and delicious breakfast, Ruston Farmers Market is a must-visit destination. Browse the market with your furry friend every Saturday from 9:00am-1:00pm.

The Bark Yard: This free dog park is located behind the Ruston Animal Shelter and is open every day of the week. With structures and sculptures designed and built by Louisiana Tech Students, the whole park in designed with the best experiences in mind. See this impressive park and hidden gem and make your dog's day!

Pictured: @_emma_kathryn & her pup at LPP

STAY

Ruston offers several places to stay where pets are warmly welcomed with an accompanying fee or deposit. Below is a list of some of our pet-friendly hotels and each of their locations.

Hampton Inn Ruston: 1315 N Trenton Street Ruston, LA 71270

Holiday Inn Express: 1312 Hospitality Street Ruston, LA 71270

Fairfield Inn & Suites: 1707 Roberta Avenue Ruston, LA 71270

Credit: @bordreaux_aussie

We as Ruston sure love our pets; I mean, we are the home of the Bulldogs for a reason! Be sure to share photos of you and your adventurous furry companions with #RustonLA and upload them here.